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Human Rights & Democracy

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Human Rights & Democracy

Teaser Video HR70

EU launches campaign to celebrate

70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

 

70 years - Universal Declaration of Human rights

The promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of multilateralism, a central pillar of the UN system, and a core and founding value of the EU.

This year we mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and join UN Human Rights in inviting everyone to

 

#Standup4humanrights.

 

The Universal Declaration is the cornerstone of international human rights law and its first article captures its very essence:

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".

Human rights should be universal, indivisible and interdependent.

While the international human rights system has come under increasing pressure, it still continues to show great resilience to withstand challenges.

Human Rights Defenders all over the world embody that resilience. These are some of their stories.

The EU stands up and continues to relentlessly support human rights defenders, to speak out against the shrinking civil society space, and to use political and financial action to support them.

They stood up, will you?

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The European Union views all human rights as universal, indivisible and interdependent. It actively promotes and defends them both within its borders and when engaging in relations with non-EU countries.

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News stories
safe drinking water, water diplomacy, water as a human right

Water... a tool for peace

A combination of a growing population and climate change makes water one of the most pressing challenges the world faces in the 21st century. The EU is committed to enhancing its diplomatic engagement to make water a tool for peace, rather than a source of tension. We shall use many means at our disposal to promote and protect the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Monday, 19 November, 2018 - 16:45
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News stories

Human trafficking : EU stands with victims and wants their voice to be heard

Worldwide, the trafficking of human beings for purposes of forced labour, criminal activities or sexual exploitation affects around 24 million people. Socio-economic instability, gender inequality, poverty or war are some of the reasons which can prompt the victims' vulnerabilities and give organised crime margin to act.

Thursday, 18 October, 2018 - 10:54
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News stories

FAC: EU's work with partners on migration to be preserved and strengthened Mogherini says

At today's Foreign Affairs Council, Ministers discussed – amongst other issues – the external aspects of migration. EU cooperation with partners was one of the key topics: joint work by the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations in Libya which has helped more than 37,000 persons to return safely to their countries of origin shows that the partnership approach continues to deliver.

Monday, 15 October, 2018 - 19:05
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News stories

The future of International Election Observation

Election Observation is a highly visible demonstration of international commitment to supporting democracy and promoting respect for human rights around the world. The EU and other international and regional organisations deploy Election Observation Missions globally but these missions are also increasingly exposed to public scrutiny and new challenges. High Level Conference co-hosted by the European External Action Service and the European Parliament brings together partners from around the world to discuss the Future of International Election Observation, key challenges and opportunities.

Thursday, 11 October, 2018 - 17:40
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News stories
death penalty

Europe against death penalty in all cases and circumstances

“The death penalty is an affront to human dignity. It constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and is contrary to the right to life. The death penalty has no established deterrent effect and it makes judicial errors irreversible.”

Wednesday, 10 October, 2018 - 14:24
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